Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 June 2021
394. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will employ an additional rural recreational officer in the west Cork Development Partnership to reflect the workload of the role. [35195/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Walks Scheme, which is funded by my Department, contracts landholders to undertake maintenance work on National Waymarked Ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken in line with agreed work plans.
The Walks Scheme is currently operating on 45 trails supported by approximately 2,040 landowners and is being managed by 16 Local Development Companies (LDCs) around the country. At present, my Department funds Rural Recreation Officers (RROs) in 13 of these 16 LDCs. The RROs manage the Scheme at a local level. They work with landholders to ensure that the designated walks are maintained at an approved standard. RROs also make a significant contribution to the development of the outdoor recreation sector locally.
West Cork Development Partnership has two very significant trails funded under the Walks Scheme – the Beara Way and the Sheep’s Head Way. There are almost 580 landholders funded under these two walks receiving funding of about €650,000.
I am aware that an issue has arisen with the delivery of the scheme in West Cork, and my officials have been engaging with West Cork Development Partnership in this regard over the past week. I have also asked my officials to formally meet with West Cork Development Partnership and I expect this meeting to take place shortly.
Separate to this, my Department commissioned an external review of the Scheme to examine the delivery and strategic development of the Scheme, and assess the role and resourcing of the RRO posts throughout the country. It has also considered the level of funding provided to the Local Development Companies to deliver the scheme. I hope to be in a position to publish the review once it has been fully considered by my Department. The recommendations contained in the review will inform decisions on the further strategic expansion of the scheme, including the resourcing of Local Development Companies such as West Cork Development Partnership.
I am committed to working with all of the stakeholders, including West Cork Development Partnership, to ensure that the scheme can continue to function effectively.
